1. Hotel Casablanca – Best Combo of Quality, Location, and Value

I’ve decided to put Hotel Casablanca first on this list because I think it has a nice blend of quality and value, and it has as good a location as any San Andrés, Colombia hotel.

It’s right on the beach of Spratt Bight but is far enough down the strip so that you’ll generally see less crowds. There are still some shops close by, and the restaurants here are quite good. In fact, Susana and I ate at their Sea Watch Cafe here several times even though we weren’t staying here. (Also, whether you stay at this San Andrés hotel or not, be sure to hit the homestyle food tables set up on the corner nearby for lunch and definitely sample the crab empanadas!).

The rooms here are very solid and comfortable with a touch of elegance. There is a decent pool on site, and they have the option to do it all inclusive or not. That all, in my opinion, makes it a good blend of nice and flexible and for that reason is my number one choice for a hotel in San Andrés.

2. Decameron Isleño – Best of the Best San Andres Island Resorts

Decameron runs a chain of all inclusive resorts around Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America. I’m generally not a fan of all inclusive hotels, but I think San Andrés is one of those destinations where it makes sense. What’s nice as well is that there are 6 Decameron properties on San Andrés, and if you stay at one, you can use the facilities of any, giving you the option to check out some other nice beaches and restaurants at the other hotels.

The Decameron Isleño is I think the overall best of the Decamerons, although the San Andrés hotel pick below I think makes for a good option for those looking for a bit more tranquil or romantic trip. Isleño is located down toward the end of Spratt Bight, where there is hardly every a crowd, but it is still a less than 10 minute walk to the heart of downtown.

There is a great pool here, and rooms look nice. I also think this Decameron tends to get less visitors than the two others near downtown (more on them below), so there’s a good chance there will be less people around the pool and bar here.

3. Decameron Marazul – Best San Andrés Resort Not Downtown

As I said above, there are 6 Decamerons on San Andrés. Decameron Marazul would be my second choice of the 6. In fact, I tried to get a few nights here the last time we visited, but it was booked up.

I like this one especially for a relaxed and/or romantic getaway. This San Andrés Island resort is located down the east coast of the island and nestled in among the mangrove forest. There is a solid beach, and the waterfront deck is gorgeous. Because of its location off the road, hardly anyone else comes here either.

I included this one because I think it offers a bit more of a unique experience to the other Decamerons and to most of the other San Andrés resorts on this list that are located around the downtown North End.

So if you want an all inclusive hotel in San Andrés that is a bit more secluded, it makes a great choice.

Other Decameron San Andrés Resorts:

Some quick notes on the other 4 Decamerons. Honestly, I think they all make fine choices if you want a San Andrés all inclusive, I just didn’t want this list to be almost entirely Decamerons.

See a few notes about each and click the links to learn more (also keep in mind, that if you stay in one of these, you can visit the beaches, pools, and restaurants at the others).

• Los Delfines – Located right in the heart of downtown, a bit of a smaller property.
• Aquarium – Despite its name, it’s actually not by the aquarium but right by the beach on the North End. It’s actually right on a little point which gives some of the rooms really pretty views but there also isn’t a beach at the hotel itself, so I’d choose Isleño over it.
• San Luis – Down the East Side, this is a bit more secluded. I think it’s a bit too far from town and the beach here just isn’t as good, but it could be a good option for some.
• Maryland – This one is located on the northwestern tip of the island. The facilities are nice but there isn’t a great beach here and it’s not that close to town either. It is a bit of a happy medium between staying farther away though.

4. Aquamare Hotel – San Andrés Resort in the Heart of Town

Aquamare Hotel is one of the largest hotels in San Andrés. It’s also one of the newest and most modern.

Maybe the only downside is it does not have its own beach. However, it is located just around the corner from Spratt Bight, just a short walk from the main strip and beach. There is also a great pool.

Rooms here look very nice, among the best in San Andrés. It’s also garnered a reputation for having some of the best service on the island, even with it being fairly new.

For that reason, for those that don’t want to do an all inclusive and can live with walking just a few minutes to the beach, I think it’s arguably the best choice for a San Andrés Island hotel.

5. Miraflores Boutique – Great Quiet San Andrés Island Hotel

I think Miraflores Boutique Hotel is a bit of a niche choice for a hotel in San Andrés.

It’s located on the West Side where there isn’t a beach or a whole lot to do. It is close to the swimming hole known as La Piscinita, but there isn’t much else going on around here.

However, the hotel is absolutely lovely. They definitely have the most luxurious looking rooms of any San Andrés Island hotel. The whole places is cute with a sort of rustic decor.

There is a nice little pool here, and the hotel has bikes guests can rent. It also feels a bit more immersed in nature and quiet than you’ll find at the San Andrés hotels on the North End.

I think that makes this a good choice for those planning a bit of a longer stay and for those looking for some peace and quiet for relaxing or a romantic getaway.

6. Reina del Mar – Beachfront Value Hotel in San Andrés Island

The Reina del Mar, besides having a sweet name (Queen of the Sea), offers a good value for a beachfront resort in San Andrés in a good location.

It’s located on the East Side near good beaches, right by where the Decameron Marazul is located. The beaches here are especially nice because they are semi-private with not many crowds.

Rooms are also nice. They have a bit of cheesy decor, but look very comfortable. Prices here are also better than any of the Decamerons, so I think this makes for a good value for doing a beachfront San Andrés resort.

7. In Di House of Reggae Boutique – Unique and Cool Vibes

San Andrés is known for having an English speaking Caribbean influence with a culture and dialect among many of the island’s natives somewhat similar to Jamaica.

In Di House of Reggae Boutique captures that influence perfectly and offers a unique San Andrés hotel. It’s got cool, reggae inspired, but tasteful decorations with lots of bright colors. The rooms also look very nice and comfortable, more luxurious than lots of other San Andrés hotels.

The only downside, is the location isn’t the best. It is on the northwestern side of the island. Still, it’s closer to the North End and downtown than Miraflores, and there is a great little pool here and some great ocean views.

In short, I think it makes for a great place to stay in San Andrés that is a bit unique if you can sacrifice not being right on the beach.

8. Hotel Arena Blanca – Value for a San Andrés All-Inclusive

The Hotel Arena Blanca by Dorado is I think a solid choice if you want a San Andrés all inclusive resort at a better price than you’ll pay for the Decameron hotels in San Andrés.

It’s located on the North End, very close to the beach, and it’s got a cool looking pool. The rooms here also look more than comfortable, and there are shows and dance classes every night. If you stay at this San Andrés resort, you can also visit sister property El Dorado and use their facilities too.

9. Sea Avenue Hotel – Great Location at this San Andrés Hotel

The Sea Avenue Hotel was recently renovated and has a killer location right on the main strip along Spratt Bight.

That means it’s beachfront and also near plenty of shops and restaurants. The rooms also look plenty nice, and there’s a good little pool that overlooks the beach as well.

Overall, I’d say it’s a decent value too, and one of the few more modern larger hotel options right on the beach in the downtown area. It definitely belongs on this list of the best San Andrés hotels.

10. GHL Sunrise – Best Oceanfront Pool at a Hotel in San Andrés

The GHL Sunrise was built to offer something close to a large, chain, 4 or 5 star style resort in San Andrés. It is in a lovely looking building, just around the corner from Spratt Bight and overlooking the bay. There is also a wicked pool and dock overlooking the water.

There’s a reason I didn’t put this higher on the list of best resorts in San Andrés though. Some of the reviews up on it are not so good, especially considering the price. Apparently, it suffered some damage from Hurricane Iota in late 2020 and was in need of some renovations that upset some guests’ stay.

It sounds like the hotel has a lot of potential but needs some tender loving care and updates from management. I would suggest checking out the latest reviews to see if they have turned it around a bit, but if it seems like they have, this might deserve to move up this list of best San Andrés resorts.

11. Dreamer Beach Club – Great Hostel/Hotel Hybrid

I wanted to include the Dreamer Beach Club on this list of best San Andrés, Colombia hotels as a good value option. There are a number of highly rated Dreamer hostels around Colombia, including in Santa Marta and Palomino.

The San Andrés Dreamer is fairly new, and it has dorms but also private rooms that are a bit more like a traditional hotel experience. There is a nice pool on site, and the location is also pretty darn good, just a block off the beach downtown.

So, if you’re looking for a San Andrés hotel on a budget, or considering doing a hostel, this makes a great choice, especially since there are only a few hostels in San Andrés.